Lion backs Carter to be unbeatable

Lions legend Neil Jenkins believes Dan Carter's imminent world record may never be broken. [more]

Lion backs Carter to be unbeatable

Lions legend Neil Jenkins believes Dan Carter’s imminent world record may never be broken.

All Black star Carter needs just one kick against Wales on Saturday to beat double Lions tourist Jonny Wilkinson's tally of 1,178 Test points.

It will be the second time the record has fallen at the Millennium Stadium after 1997 Lions hero Jenkins, who is now Wales’ kicking coach, set a new best at the 1999 World Cup.

That record stood for nine years before it was overtaken by Wilkinson but now Jenkins believes that Carter can go on to set what could be an unbeatable score.

"Carter is an amazing rugby player and will set a record on Saturday that might never be broken,” said Jenkins, who kicked the Lions to Test glory in South Africa 13 years ago and was involved in the 2001 tour to Australia.

"He's in a very good side so gets a lot of chances but you still have to put them over and he pretty much kicks everything.

"But he's more than just a kicker. He has scored almost 30 tries which is an incredible achievement for a guy not playing on the wing."

Despite playing in a Wales team not blessed with regular success, Jenkins broke Michael Lynagh's mark of 911 points in the World Cup tie against Samoa in Cardiff 11 years ago.

"When I was going for the record against Samoa in 1999 I missed the first few kicks so there was a bit of pressure, but then I had one in front of the posts,” added Jenkins.

"It won't have an affect on Dan Carter. He makes the All Blacks tick,and to be a stand out player for the All Blacks for so long is pretty special.

"He has had his off days as does everyone but there's not a weakness in his game.

"He's an immense talent and hasn't missed many against us. He will set a new record on Saturday and good luck to him, but hopefully he doesn't play that well."
 

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